Jim Bakker

(From Stumpff Funeral Home)

James Orsen “Jim” Bakker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and one of the most influential pioneers in Christian television, went home to be with the Lord on October 5, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on January 2, 1940, Pastor Jim dedicated more than six decades to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a visionary who believed television could carry God’s love into homes and reach people around the world.






In 1961, Pastor Jim married Tammy Faye. Together, they pioneered Christian television and satellite broadcasting, helping bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions around the world. Their shared vision left a lasting mark on Christian broadcasting. They were blessed with two beloved children, Tammy Sue Bakker and Jamie Charles Bakker.

His pioneering journey began at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), where he served for eight years and became the first host of The 700 Club. He later helped establish Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), serving as its first president, before co-founding The PTL Club in 1974.

Under his leadership, PTL became an international Christian broadcasting ministry, reaching millions through innovative satellite technology. Its programs opened doors for ministers, musicians, and emerging Christian voices, inspiring a generation of broadcasters to carry the Gospel beyond traditional boundaries.

Among his greatest accomplishments was Heritage USA, the 2,300-acre Christian destination in Fort Mill, South Carolina. In 1986 alone, more than six million people visited, making it one of America’s most popular attractions.

More than a destination, Heritage USA was a gathering place for worship, fellowship, and family. Pastor Jim brought Christians from different denominations together, helping build friendships and unity across the Body of Christ.

Through television, music, Christian education, outreach, and charitable initiatives, his vision reached far beyond the buildings he constructed. He believed ministry was about people, and he devoted his life to helping them discover faith, hope, and purpose.

A LEGACY OF FAITH & RESTORATION

Pastor Jim’s journey also included painful losses and seasons of adversity. In prison, he turned deeply to God’s Word, finding time for reflection and a renewed understanding of his faith. Those years reshaped his life and deepened his understanding of grace, forgiveness, and the promise of restoration. He later shared this personal journey in his book I Was Wrong, reflecting on the transforming power of God’s love.

In 1998, he married his beloved wife, Lori, who faithfully stood beside him as his closest companion and ministry partner. Jim and Lori welcomed Maricela, Lori, Marie, Clarissa, Ricky, and Mondo into their family. His legacy also lives on through his 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who carry forward the love and bonds that unite their family across generations.

In 2003, Pastor Jim launched The Jim Bakker Show in Branson, Missouri, marking his return to Christian broadcasting. His vision later gave rise to Morningside USA, where he helped build a Christian community and television production center.

Through The Jim Bakker Show and the PTL Television Network, he continued welcoming ministers, authors, musicians, and guests while sharing his faith with audiences around the world.

Yet beyond the television cameras was a man who genuinely loved people.

Pastor Jim believed in second chances. He recognized potential in people others overlooked, encouraged people to pursue their calling, and offered opportunities that changed the course of many lives.

To his family, he was more than a pioneer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed.

His legacy lives in the millions who encountered his ministry, the leaders he inspired, the people he encouraged, and the generations who continue the work he helped begin.

A pioneer has finished his race. A visionary has completed his journey. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which he devoted his life to sharing, will live forever.

WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE

On behalf of Lori Bakker and the entire Bakker family, we extend our deepest love and heartfelt gratitude to the countless friends, viewers, and faithful ministry partners around the world who stood with Pastor Jim throughout his extraordinary life.

You were never just an audience to him. You were family. Your prayers, generosity, friendship, and faithfulness helped carry the Gospel around the world. Please know how deeply he loved and appreciated you.

To the extraordinary staff, past and present, and especially those who faithfully stood beside him until the very end of his life, thank you. Your sacrifices, dedication, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten. You were more than coworkers. You were family, and you helped carry a vision that will continue for generations.

To everyone who prayed for him, encouraged him, believed in him, and loved him through the victories and the valleys, our family will forever be grateful.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort in knowing that his message will continue.

As we say goodbye to the man we loved so dearly, we leave you with the words he shared with the world for so many years:

“God loves you. He really does.”

With all our love and deepest gratitude,

Lori Bakker and the Bakker Family

Viewing will be held Monday, October 12, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 180 Grace Chapel Road, Blue Eye, MO. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m. and broadcast live on the PTL Television Network.

Services under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.